Mould on canvas - help!

[Camilla]

I have stored a canvas in a room that was more humid than expected, so now I have mould on the backside of the painting.

I was thinking of treating it with Rodalon (benzalkoniumchloride) but before I do that, I think I should ask someone first.

Does any of you have any experience with this?

[Alexandra van Cruyningen]

:oops: Sorry for such a late response. I have had mould or mold (What is it but nasty fungus) on one occasion. Not in my own house, the painting was already at their new owners house who had her house recently painted and the floors done, so I quess that is why their house was more humid. I took the painting back home and instead of using heavy stuff, I just wiped the mould off with a cotton swap. It came off easy and I applied a new layer of egg tempera on top of it. The painting is fine now, and no mould came back. But I do not know how this will work at the back of canvas?? Maybe someone else knows and give you an answer.
Best wishes for 2007.
Alex

[Bert Congdon]

I hesitated in responding because I am no expert in such things, but I had a problem with mold on my wet ground colors. I got Preventol from Kremer and put it in the distilled water I used in grinding the pigments, and I used that water to resupply the water in the jars of prepared pigments. No more problem :!: If I had a problem like you describe, I would probably use the same solution to sponge off the canvas, but I definitely would not use a chlorine bleach or any such harsh product.

[jeff]

Here's a good link that seems appropriate http://www.amonline.net.au/materials_conservation/faq/index.htm

[Camilla]

Thanks :-)